Posted on July 19, 2024 at 9:06 AM by Guest Author
Don’t underestimate the impact book influencers can have on your work. Learn why connecting with literary trendsetters is worth the effort and how to proceed.
Table of Contents
The Rise of Book Influencers
The evolution of social media has led to the rise of book influencers. These are more than just readers. They’re advocates who share their love of specific books and authors on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Generally, they post reviews and recommendations, discussing titles in easy-to-consume video content.
Here are just a few stats that show the activity and popularity of book influencers:
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TikTok: Currently, #BookTok has more than 100 billion views.
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Instagram: There are nearly 107 million #bookstagram posts.
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YouTube: The top book YouTuber has 1.4 million subscribers.
Unlike critics and other authority figures in the literary space, influencers take a more laid-back approach. They focus on relatability, connecting with their audience through a mutual passion for reading. Beyond just offering recommendations, influencers foster community engagement. They encourage followers to share their thoughts, participate in reading challenges, and more.
Given their impactful presence in the digital world, it’s no surprise influencers have become a valuable resource for authors. Having a literary tastemaker on your side can improve your marketing efforts and save time.
Why Book Influencers Are Valuable
Working with book influencers can go a long way for authors, especially self-published ones. As they already have readers’ attention, it’s easier to gain traction with their support. These trusted voices have become key partners for authors wanting to boost awareness, build credibility, and increase readership.
Here’s why…
They have a significant reach.
It’s worth noting influencers vary by follower count. However, even nano-influencers (1K-10K followers) and micro-influencers (10K-50K) have a significant reach. When you’re an author who writes books in a specific genre, every reader you can connect with matters. By partnering with someone who has influence in a particular niche, you can tap into their following and reach potential fans who might otherwise overlook your work.
They’ve developed trust with readers.
Book influencers gain trust by sharing honest reviews, personal stories, and relatable content. They’re transparent with their followers and build strong relationships with them. As a result, their recommendations carry weight. Working with influencers allows relatively unknown authors to benefit from this pre-established trust, increasing their credibility.
They can affect book trends and sales.
Influencers in the book world have a huge impact on trends and sales. They can spark conversations about literary themes (like the enemies-to-lovers trope) or make a book go viral (like Shawn M. Warner’s Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor). That’s why it’s worth partnering with an influencer to increase your book’s visibility and drive sales.
Just in case you’re not convinced, consider this: Roughly 62% of U.S. TikTok users have read at least one book based on a BookTok recommendation. That’s a number you can’t ignore!
How to Find Book Influencers
With so many book influencers out there, finding one may seem like an easy task. However, it’s important to remember that you’re building a partnership. If you want to get the best results, you need to put in the work.
1. IDENTIFY YOUR GENRE & AUDIENCE.
First things first, you need to define the target audience for your book. That way, you can find influencers who cater to readers interested in your genre. Consider the age, location, gender, and hobbies of your ideal reader. Then, compare that profile to potential influencers and their followers.
2. EXPLORE DIFFERENT PLATFORMS.
As mentioned previously, there are many popular platforms for book influencers. The biggest ones include YouTube (#BookTube), Instagram (#Bookstagram), and TikTok (#BookTok). Use relevant hashtags and keywords to find influencers who are active in your genre.
For example…
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#fantasybooks
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#romancereads
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#scifibooks
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#mysterybookrecs
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#historicalfiction
Don’t be afraid to get specific, as it’s worth taking a deep dive to find the right fit.
3. USE INFLUENCER DISCOVERY TOOLS.
You can use tools like BuzzSumo, CreatorIQ, and FeedSpot Influencers Database to find and analyze potential influencers. They help you identify influencers who align with your niche and audience. However, they do require a fee for more in-depth research.
Another approach would be to use Google. Typing in “[genre] book influencers on [platform]” can uncover helpful lists, forum responses, and even influencer profiles.
4. EVALUATE ENGAGEMENT & REACH.
When researching potential influencer partners, look beyond follower counts. Check the engagement rates on their posts, such as likes, comments, and shares. An influencer with a highly engaged audience can be more effective than one with a large but passive following.
5. REVIEW CONTENT QUALITY.
Lastly, examine the quality of each influencer’s content. That’s not to say you should only aim for those with professional-level content. However, you should look for clear photos, thoughtful reviews, and well-composed videos. After all, partnering with an influencer who creates quality content reflects well on you and your work.
Tips for Reaching out to Influencers
Once you’ve identified one or more book influencers who fit your needs, it’s time to reach out. Just make sure to go about it the right way. If you’re new to influencer marketing, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
WHAT TO DO
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Check if they have a preferred contact method for collaboration inquiries.
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Personalize your pitch by explaining what you like about their channel.
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Ask if they charge a fee for reviews and/or promotions.
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Offer an advanced reader copy of your book for them to read and assess.
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Suggest a beneficial exchange (giveaway, interview, swag), if not payment.
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Follow up politely if they haven’t responded within a reasonable timeframe.
WHAT NOT TO DO
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Avoid sending a generic and impersonal template message.
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Don’t write a lengthy message full of unnecessary information.
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Never demand or assume they provide a positive review.
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Don’t expect free services without offering something in return.
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Stop yourself from badgering them constantly if you haven’t heard back.
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Don’t take it personally or react poorly if they decline your request.
Takeaway
With more and more people finding book recommendations on social media, working with book influencers is a wise choice. Building a relationship with someone who’s gained the trust of your target audience can be beneficial. So, if you haven’t already, consider dipping your toe into influencer marketing. It can enhance your book marketing efforts for the better!
Categories: Behind the scenes